How to Apply for a Direct Plus Loan

The Direct PLUS Loan is a federal loan that parents of dependent undergraduate students or graduate/professional students can use to help pay for college. Please note, this loan is contingent upon credit approval.

Step One – CREDIT CHECK

  • The parent must go to https://studentaid.gov and sign in using their own FSA ID and password.

    • Do not use the student's FSA ID to sign in.
  • Under the Apply for Aid top menu select Apply for a Parent PLUS Loan
  • Click the Start Button next to I am a Parent of an Undergraduate Student.
    • This starts the process for the credit check. The parent must complete all sections of the application and submit.
  • Upon completion of the application, the parent will receive a credit decision.
    • Approved Parent PLUS applicants who wish to borrow the loan please go to Step Two.
    • Denied Parent PLUS applicants may enable the student to receive an additional Direct Unsubsidized Loan.  Freshmen and sophomores may receive up to an additional $4,000 for the year; juniors and seniors may receive up to an additional $5,000 for the year.

 

Step Two – MASTER PROMISSORY NOTE (MPN)

  • The parent must be signed into https://studentaid.gov using their own FSA ID and password.

    • Do not use the student's FSA ID to sign in.
  • Under the Complete Aid Process top menu select MPN for Parents
  • Click the Start Button next to I am a Parent of an Undergraduate Student.
    • Complete all sections of the application and submit.
    • We will receive the file in 1-2 business days.

Step One – CREDIT CHECK

  • The graduate/professional student must sign in to https://studentaid.gov using their FSA ID and password.
  • Under the Apply for Aid top menu select Apply for a Grad PLUS Loan.
  • Click the Start Button next to I am a Graduate or Professional Student.
    • This starts the process for the credit check.
  • Upon completion of the application, you will receive a credit decision.
    • a.  If denied, you are not eligible for the loan.
    • b.  If approved, go to Step 2.

 

Step Two – MASTER PROMISSORY NOTE (MPN)

  • If approved for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, you must complete the Loan Agreement (Master Promissory Note) at www.studentaid.gov.
  • Click the Start Button next to the PLUS MPN for Graduate/Professional Students
    • Complete all sections of the application and submit
    • We will receive the file in 1-2 business days.

 

For information regarding interest rates and repayment details, please visit our Loans webpage